By the end of November, minivan sales in the U.S. actually crept up. Sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan (pictured) climbed 12 per cent, while attractive lease rates for the Chrysler Town and Country boosted sales by about 70 per cent.

PHOTO: Handout, Chrysler

Chrysler is considering a billion-dollar upgrade at its Ontario plant to build a new minivan

By Staff, The Canadian Press

Originally published: January 14, 2014

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DETROIT — Chrysler is considering a billion-dollar upgrade at its Ontario plant to build a new minivan, which is expected to go on sale in about two years, chief executive Sergio Marchionne said Monday.

The automaker company said it is talking with the federal and provincial governments about an incentive package that would help offset higher costs in Canada.

Marchionne said the new minivan is a “huge, tremendous step forward” in terms of its styling.

The Chrysler assembly plant in Windsor, Ont., produces the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans as well as several other vehicles.

Ontario Economic Development Minister Eric Hoskins was to meet with Marchionne at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday.

“We have been approached by Chrysler about a potential new investment in Ontario,” said Gabe De Roche, a spokesman for the minister.

“We consider automakers to be important partners in supporting the growth of our manufacturing sector and the well-paying jobs that come with that.”